1. I am sending you to the Israelites (2:1-8)

Ezekiel was called to be a prophet. For him this meant speaking the word of the Lord to a rebellious people. The Lord knew that they would not listen, and he knew that Ezekiel would face fearful resistance. He also knew that Ezekiel was a "son of man," subject to the same temptations himself. The Lord called this man to be a prophet-a man who speaks the word of the Lord, who opens his mouth to taste God's word and give it to God's people.

2. Eat what is before you (2:9-3:3)

The words the Lord gave Ezekiel were words of woe. But he commanded Ezekiel to eat, and when he did, Ezekiel found the words to taste as sweet as honey. Though the words spoke judgment, they were from the Sovereign Lord, and so they tasted sweet to the prophet Ezekiel.